A novel framework for implementing optimal power distribution network planning approaches

A continuous trend of growing load demand in the present-day power distribution networks (PDNs) often forces these networks to operate on the verge of their loadability limits. Under such a stressed condition, the network reconfiguration (a proven effective method) needs to be executed efficiently in the presence of distributed generators (DGs) so as to enhance the stability limit along with other objectives. The complexity grows even more when parameters like loadability and voltage stability need to be evaluated under critical loading conditions. For all the above reasons, the proper arrangement of the line data for different open switch combinations satisfying the system operational constraints is a significant challenge for the execution of load flow for effective planning. To address this issue, a new framework is proposed using a graph theory integrated sweep-based radial load flow (RLF) technique with an inbuilt mechanism of feasibility (radiality and connectivity) checking. Unlike other conventional RLF techniques, this approach does not require any sequential node and branch numbering and it has the ability to handle topological changes with constant annual load growth. The superiority of the suggested approach is validated by considering a 69-bus test distribution system for four different cases of DG and network reconfiguration (NR) under four different load conditions. The comparative analysis of various parameters including active power loss reduction, loadability maximization, voltage stability maximization, and minimum system voltage under distinct load conditions are presented which can be a part of futuristic distribution system planning and can successfully avoid system voltage collapse.